French travellers have drawn more flattering, but scarcely better, likenesses. In short a faithful view of our country and ourselves by an impartial hand has long been a desideratum. Such an one we have reason to expect from the author before us-coming from a country not politically connected with ourshaving no rival interests to serve- -no national antipathy to gratify-we might (one would suppose) receive his representations with considerable confidence. A work of this description must be an invaluable bequest to a nation, incapable as it always is of seeing itself except by reflected light. National vanity is more respected than that of individuals because of its affinity to sentiments of patriotism. It is also of more universal growth. The Deyof Algiers excites his soldiers to battle by the recollections of their ancestors and the glory of their nation and name. And the Spaniard finds in the character of his country topics of proud complacency. But if this vanity is the parent of great exploits, it is also the source of national peculiarities. To present these peculiarities in true colours, in the perspective of the manners and character of a people-with a view to qualify rather than extinguish that national feeling-is the office of the traveller. In making the following extracts, the Translator has been guided as much by the practical nature of the information they contain as by their comparative value. He deems it proper to observe that he has nothing to do with the statements or speculations of the author. Although he places the mirror before the town, he does not hold himself responsible for the correctness of its reflection. It remains to say a word as to the authenticity of this work. Upon this point the Translator will barely state, that the manner in which the manuscript came to his hands leaves no doubt on his mind respecting its authenticity. But after he was convinced that the Journal was authentic, he was not without scruples touching the propriety of making it public. He considered it unfair to snatch from a man the fruit of much labor, time and hazard. Besides the work appeared, from internal marks, not to have been intended for a Christian public. These scruples were only overcome by the consideration of the manner-not very creditable—in which our traveller came to this country, and his covert project thus happily detected. Still, however, the Translator disclaims all pecuniary motive-and he hereby advertizes Signior Ali Bey or Mons. Desaleurs, or by whatever other name he may now be pleased to be known, that all the profits of this publication, after the necessary charges are defrayed, shall be duly paid over to his order. January, 1818. JOURNAL OF ALI BEY, &c. CHAP. I. The Authors Introduction-His arrival-The Exchange 8 March, 1817. Praise be to God most great, the Lord of the worlds, the most merciful, the most gracious, King of the day of judgment! Welfare and peace be to thee, O Mouhhammed, Prophet of God!-here am I, Ali Bey ibn Othman Bey el Abassi, on the shores of this occidental hemisphere. Having visited the principal cities of Africa, Asia and Europe, having performed my pilgrimage to the holy city, I resolved, in pursuit of the great project of my heart, to explore this New World. I arrived here yesterday morning, after a short but boisterous passage. We got into the outer harbor the evening before, but our captain thought it prudent not to come up to the town till the next day. Yesterday morning the sun rising clear presented the oity in full view before us, with its glittering domes and spires and vanes and windows. We got early under weigh, and the wind being fair we found ourselves at once alongside of the wharf; passing in our way a multitude of little islands on some of which are forts and military works, and a pharos, of which I shall give a more minute account hereafter. This continent presents nothing remarkable to the view of the approaching navigator. The country as we drew near appeared barren and inhospitable, on account, probably, of the season; for the reign of winter on these cold shores is not yet mitigated. I noticed with my glass, patches of buildings skirting the coast on either side of the city. By the advice of a fellow passenger, native of this city, I have taken lodgings in the Exchange Coffee-House, apparently the principal hotel of the city-as far at least |